Day excursion – Hạ Thái Lacquer Village – FULL

March 31 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

THIS TOUR IS FULL – IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST PLEASE CONTACT ANH AS PER THE END OF THIS NOTICE

When exploring imperial architecture, ancient houses, Buddhism and temples in Vietnam, horizontal boards, parallel sentences and statues are clearly identifiable and beautifully decorated in red and yellow. The art of decorating these works developed alongside Vietnam’s history and many famous craft villages still exist today. According to some documents, this profession has an 800 year-old history.

Although Hạ Thái village was not the first to invent lacquer painting it is the centre of this art in Vietnam. It was initiated by Vietnamese painters at the Indochina College of Fine Arts in the 1930s. They introduced lacquer painting techniques to the people in Ha Thai village and from then on many artisans were born. Vietnamese lacquer has become the inspiration for artists in other countries like China or Japan to study. Each lacquer painting has its own unique beauty. Enjoying lacquer painting requires thorough knowledge of painting techniques in order to understand the talent and dedication of artisans as well as the sophistication and creativity which lies beneath the layers of colour. There are never two identical works.

Listen to the stories of craftsmanship and the lives of the artists as we admire the unique lacquer artworks. Join us as we meet artisan Vũ Huy Mến – the “treasure” of Hạ Thái village.

Visiting Hạ Thái is also a chance to explore a typical northern village still retaining its ancient features of the temple, pagoda, the pond and the courtyard …. here, we understand how this peaceful place nurtures the artists’ souls.

Notes:

Please bring personal water bottles as we are reducing the plastic consumption. Bring your own packed lunch or the village has food stalls and cafes.